Alpha-tocopherol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 23, 2025.

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Alpha-tocopherol, also known as vitamin E1, is one of several forms of vitamin E. It appears as a light yellow, viscous, odorless, oily liquid that deteriorates on exposure to light. Alpha-tocopherol is obtained from wheat germ oil or by synthesis, biologically exhibits the most vitamin E activity of the α-tocopherols, and is an antioxidant retarding rancidity by interfering with the autoxidation of fats.^[1]

Vitamin E is found in foods such as vegetable oils and shortening, meat, eggs, milk, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is important for many processes in the body.

Vitamin E is used to treat Vitamin E deficiency. It is available as a liquid and as liquid-filled capsules. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and can be toxic to the liver if it is taken in too high a dose.^[2]

Some examples of medications containing Alpha-tocopherol

• Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg
• Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg
• Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg
• Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate 0.0025 mg / 0.5 mg
• Isibloom desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg
• K-Tab 10 mEq (750 mg)
• K-Tab 20 mEq (1500 mg)
• Lo Loestrin Fe ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg
• Lo Loestrin Fe ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg
• Nucynta ER 50 mg
• Nucynta ER 100 mg
• Nucynta ER 200 mg
• Nucynta ER 150 mg
• Opana ER 20 mg
• Opana ER 5 mg
• Opana ER 40 mg
• Opana ER 10 mg
• Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 20 mEq (1500 mg)
• Prenatal Plus Low Iron
• Tylenol Regular Strength 325 mg

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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